As part of activities to mark its 20th anniversary, the Ladymeade Reference Unit (LRU) recently held a memorial at Browne’s Beach, St. Michael, to honour past clients, their families, friends and colleagues who supported and cared for them.
The LRU is the island’s specialised HIV and STI treatment care and support centre. Staff and key partners in the HIV and STI response used the occasion to reflect on the lives of their loved ones and acknowledge the contribution of the LRU as well as those who have rendered service to the local HIV programme over the past 20 years.
Participants were afforded the opportunity at the end of the short memorial to release rose petals as a sign of remembrance.
Senior Medical Officer of Health (Communicable Diseases), Dr. Dale Babb, said the purpose of the event was not to mourn but “to be joyful and celebratory”. The LRU was established in June, 2002.